Diocese expresses unity, blesses holy oils at Chrism Mass

In a sacred Holy Week tradition, Bishop Michael G. Duca, fellow clergy and lay faithful gathered at St. Joseph Cathedral to recognize their foundational oneness as the anointed ones of God during the Annual Chrism Mass on March 26.

During Mass, which Bishop Duca concelebrated the Mass with Bishop Emeritus Robert W. Muench and priests from the Diocese of Baton Rouge, the bishop blessed the sacred oils of the sick, catechumen, and chrism. 

Referring to the oils in his homily, Bishop Duca said, “These are the anointings we receive through our lives as Catholics, as Christians.”

The word chrism has the same root as the word, “Christ,” the “anointed one,” Bishop Duca noted.
“We’re called Christians, the anointed ones. We’ve been called out, not without the care or concern of our Father in heaven.”

He added, “The anointing that Jesus received from the Father as the anointed one is handed on to us by him, sacramentally through our baptism and confirmation, the same Spirit.”


Top right photo: Bishop Duca blesses the holy oils that will be used in the ministry parishes and institutions of the Diocese of Baton Rouge for the next year. Photos by Nicole Jones | Digital Media Manager | Diocese of Baton Rouge
Above Photo: Representative from the church parishes and institutions gather at the altar after receiving the holy oils that will be used for the next year.

The same Holy Spirit promised by Christ that came to the apostles at Pentecost inspires the faithful today, the bishop pointed out.

“It is our anointing,” said the bishop, who noted how the oils mark out a certain phase or need people have in their lives. And while the oil may have physically dried out from the anointings they received, the mark from the anointment remains on their souls.

The mysteries being celebrated during Holy Week are all about the renewal of the church, the bishop stated.

There are many programs, retreats and Bible studies emerging and people being “turned on to the faith” in many ways. There is the work of the Holy Spirit as hearts and minds are being changed.
This enables people to become involved in the great revival of evangelization and serve the church, spread the Good News to bring others to Christ while bringing themselves deeper into the mystery of God’s love, emphasized the bishop.

“As we celebrate these mysteries this week, we ask God to renew them in our own hearts as well,” said Bishop Duca.

He applauded the priests for their dedication and commitment as they work in multiple facets to serve the church.

Following the homily, Bishop Duca led the priests in the recommitment of the promises they made at their ordination and the faithful in the recommitment of their baptismal promises.

The bishop then blessed the oils which will be used by parishes and institutions for the next year. Following the concluding rites of the Mass, the oils were distributed to the parishes’ and institutions’ representatives.
 
The Mass ended with a jubilant congregation leaving the cathedral and visiting with the priests as the hymn “Lord You Give the Great Commission” resounded in the church.


Priests of the Diocese of Baton Rouge recommit themselves to the promises they made at their priestly ordination.